Espresso Martini: 8 simple steps to a timeless classic

The Espresso Martini is a modern classic. It’s a bold cocktail that perfectly balances rich espresso with the smooth kick of vodka and coffee liquor – although at The Barista we love making it with Patron XO Café for an extra hit of sweet coffee flavour.

Served in a chilled Martini glass, it’s an ideal showstopper for special occasions or when you want to impress. Interestingly, the original 90s version was served over ice in a tumbler – though we think today’s presentation brings out the elegance of the drink and does it far more justice.

In this blog, we’re exploring the history of this beloved cocktail and providing you with a step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect Espresso Martini.

The history of the Espresso Martini

So, who invented the Espresso Martini? The tale begins in the vibrant London cocktail scene of the 1980s. Dick Bradsell, a barman credited with creating numerous modern classics, is recognised as the mastermind behind the drink. He was working at The Soho Brasserie and was asked by a fashion model – rumoured to be a young Kate Moss – for something to “wake me up and mess me up”.  

The Espresso Martini was then born out of a serendipitous moment. According to Bradsell, “The coffee machine at the Soho Brasserie was right next to the station where I served drinks. It was a nightmare, as there were coffee grounds everywhere, so coffee was very much on my mind. And it was all about vodka back then – it was all people were drinking.”

Inspired by his surroundings and the vodka craze of the 80s, Bradsell combined vodka, coffee liquor and a freshly pulled shot of espresso. And thus, the Espresso Martini was born!  

A resurgence in popularity

Fast forward to today, and the Espresso Martini is experiencing a big comeback, especially among younger generations. This is fuelled by a few things; nostalgia for 80s and 90s trends, the rise of speciality coffee culture and the cocktail’s undeniable photo-worthy appeal. It offers a delicious blend of a caffeine kick and smooth alcohol, perfect for anyone looking for a sophisticated cocktail experience. It’s great for starting a night out or capping off a delicious meal, cementing its place as a modern classic and proving that some trends really are timeless!

Espresso martini cocktail recipe

At The Barista, we’ve put our coffee expertise to good use in perfecting our Espresso Martini recipe. Our signature twist is switching out traditional Kahlua for Patron XO, which brings a unique depth to the drink.

Ready to shake things up? First, you will need: 

• 50ml Patron XO or 30ml Vodka & 20ml Kahlua
• 35ml Espresso
• 15ml sugar syrup (gomme)
• 1x lime segment
• Martini (cocktail) glass
• 3x coffee beans
• Brown sugar

How to make an Espresso Martini in 8 easy steps:

1. Chill the Martini glass in the fridge or fill it with ice and water. Because the cocktail is served without ice, you want to keep it as cold as possible.

2. Brew your espresso and let it cool slightly.

3. Use the lime segment to moisten the outside rim of the glass.

4. Sprinkle brown sugar around the rim to create a sweet, crystalised edge.

5. In a cocktail shaker, combine the Patron XO (or vodka and Kahlua), sugar syrup and fresh espresso.

6. Shake vigorously!

7. Taste and adjust sweetness with more sugar syrup if needed.

8. Strain into the chilled Martini glass, stopping below the sugar line. Garnish with three coffee beans and enjoy!

The Barista touch

While our recipe is a perfect starting point for home mixologists, an Espresso Martini prepared by a skilled barista will always elevate the experience. The quality of the espresso is crucial to the overall taste of the drink, and there’s an art to getting it perfect. A barista has the knowledge and equipment to get the right balance of flavours, the ideal temperature and the signature creamy texture that makes an Espresso Martini so special.  

That’s not to say you can’t create a delicious Espresso Martini at home. In fact, we’d encourage you to give it a try. With our recipe and a little practice, you could be preparing drinks to rival the professionals in no time.  The key is to focus on high-quality ingredients, especially the coffee. Try different blends to find your perfect match, and don’t be scared of adjusting the ratios to suit your tastes. It’s all part of the fun!  

Fancy improving your home coffee game? Check out our blog on ‘How to make coffee at home like a pro.‘

Next time you’re in the mood for a sophisticated coffee experience, why not give the Espresso Martini a try? And, if you have an event coming up where only the best coffee will do, we’re here to treat your guests to exactly that.

Want to learn more about our mobile coffee services? Get in touch with us at hello@thebarista.co.uk or call 0345 257 5900.